Easy Basil Walnut Pesto Recipe
Skip the overpriced store-bought options, and make this easy basil walnut pesto recipe with just eight ingredients instead!
Servings: 10 servings (1 Tablespoon each)
Calories: 76kcal
Cost: $3.00
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts
- 2 cups (40g) fresh basil leaves see notes
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves or 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- (Optional) Toast the walnuts for extra flavor. In a small skillet, toast the nuts over medium heat, stirring frequently, until nice and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes (be careful they don’t burn!). Pour them onto a plate until cooled.1/4 cup toasted walnuts
- To make the pesto, combine the fresh basil, cooled walnuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, salt and black pepper in a food processor or blender. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue processing until the mixture is well blended but still has some texture, pausing to scrape down the sides as necessary.2 cups (40g) fresh basil leaves, ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 3 garlic cloves or 1 Tablespoon minced garlic, 1 Tablespoon lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- If desired, taste and adjust by adding more salt or lemon juice. Thin out the pesto with more olive oil, if needed.
- Store leftover pesto in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Notes
Prep Tips - To get 40 grams or 2 cups of basil leaves, lightly pack/press the leaves down into the measuring cup.
Substitute Tips - Replace the Parmesan cheese with 1-2 Tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Use pine nuts, pepitas, or sunflower seeds in place of the walnuts for a nut-free option.
Storage Options - Freeze the pesto in an ice cube tray for up to 6 months. Once frozen, remove from the ice cube tray and transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw only as much when ready to use.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving (1 Tablespoon) | Calories: 76kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.5g | Protein: 1.3g | Fat: 7.9g | Saturated Fat: 1.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 1.4mg | Sodium: 33.9mg | Potassium: 0mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 0IU | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 0mg | Iron: 0mg
